Topic
Topic ID 7480
20/11/2013 by olive
Dangerous builder on the loose in Hertford
I would love to name and shame, but at this stage I need to keep the law on my side.
There is a builder working in and around Hertford, going by the name of M*** E*******. He is not only a thief and a conman, but a danger to any work he touches.
He has left us with no money, no home, and a massive bill for remedial works, as practically everything he touched doesn't pass building inspection. Had we have continued the job as it was left we probably would all have been killed, due to the structural damage caused by him.
He is currently working somewhere near to where the old Warren pub was in Bengeo, so if you know any one having work done - please warn them.
I can provide evidence that what I am saying is true and not just vexatious.
Since our world fell apart I have heard many other horror stories, so please pass this info around.
He also takes on local builder/labourers that he meets in local pubs, runs all their gear into the ground and doesn't pay them.
I know I will probably never see a penny, but I hate to think of him doing this to any one else.
Replies
Reply ID 96703
20/11/2013 by Steve
So who recommended him to you? [:0] And what action have you taken? If he's a thief one would assume you've reported any crime to the police. If he's a rogue trader one would also assume you've contacted Trading Standards.
Reply ID 96713
20/11/2013 by Toady
Sorry to hear that Olive. I've always relied on recommendations as Steve suggests, but realise that isn't foolproof. Hope you get resolution.
Reply ID 96799
28/11/2013 by publandlord
Thanks Steve, as always really constructive.
2 neighbours recommended him to us and his 'crew' were all local boys. He is very good at the old confidence game and we (obviously wrongly) assumed he was therefore local and well known to everyone.
Would have thought the 'action' we are taking is pretty obvious. We have contacted trading standards, started legal action and tried our best to put the word out there to prevent him from doing this to anyone else.
You would have thought that the building inspector would have some powers - since he has deemed all the work as 'lethal', but no.
Trading standards will also not tell you if they are investigating or not, or if they do investigate, weather they get anywhere or not.
I can spend further money (that I DONT HAVE)taking him to court and would very likely win, but since he rents a room, has no car or any obvious assets it would be pointless and stress full and expensive.
Presumably it all goes up his nose or down the bookies? who knows?
Also before you mention it - cowboy builders / rogue traders etc will not help us as we wouldn't make good tv, we are not disabled or dying or soldiers.
We have, basically by stalking him, managed to get all of our property back. But we are still penniless.
The best I cab do at this stage is try and warn everybody else, which is what I am doing.
Again, Steve, thanks for the empathy tho.
Thank you Toady I really do appreciate that. We now have an excellent team rallying around and doing their level best to dig us out of a massive hole.
Big up to Chester electrics,Lee Cooper and Lee Slatter, Nick Gaskin & Assan, Neil Blannin & Harry, Hertford Plumbers Rob & Danny, Clearview, Ollies Roofers, Dick and his buddy- also roofers and all the boys at Norburys. Hope I haven't forgotten anyone!
We might even make it in before Christmas and actually have something to celebrate!
As my 8 year old daughter points out (Who will hopefully still be able to enjoy Christmas) Matt's like a virus isn't he Mum?
So again, if anyone out there knows someone locally having building work done then please check that they are not using said builder. He was last seen working in Bengeo. Please do contact me if you have any fears that you might be using him.
Reply ID 96800
28/11/2013 by publandlord
Sorry just realised that was someone else's login - the above post was from Olive.
Reply ID 96803
28/11/2013 by Moulder
Would the Mercury be interested in your story or must they also tread warily ?
So sorry to hear of your predicament - I really hope it works out well for you in the end.
Reply ID 96805
28/11/2013 by Mrs T
I suggest you contact Johnathan Vernon Smith at BBC Three Counties Radio. He does a consumer programme every morning and he deals with this sort of problem all the time. He is like a dog with a bone and won't be fobbed off. If all else fails he will eventually name and shame the builder on air. He is also is well known by Hertfordshire Trading standards. Go to Three counties page on Facebook for info and contact details. You have nothing to loose.
Reply ID 96852
01/12/2013 by olive
Thanks everyone for your advice, still considering legal action at the moment, if we decide not to will definitely get in touch with local media x
7 replies